LeVeon Bell A No Show At Start Of Training Camp

Pittsburgh Steelers running back LeVeon Bell was trying to get a new contract done before the start of the regular season, but both sides have been unable to reach an agreement deal.

The Steelers used their franchise tag on the running back to prevent him from hitting the free agent market but Bell has yet to sign the $12.12 million deal which has begun to already impact NFL betting and draft rankings for all NFL followers.

Prior to the start of training camp, Bell said he had thought about holding out but decided against it despite his frustration about not being paid what he feels he is worth.

On Thursday, the Steelers opened up their training camp, but Bell was noticeably absent. Since Bell hasn’t signed the franchise tender, he isn’t under contract and won’t be fined.

Bell’s absence at training camp makes his status for the season uncertain. If he decides to hold out for at the start of the season, his absence will not only be a distraction to the team, it will also leave the team without one of its best offensive weapons. You can view the latest NFL betting odds for the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sports Interaction.

Wide receiver Antonio Brown, who signed a long-term extension during the offseason, told reporters that his message to Bell is to show up at camp.
“When trying to do something special, we would like all our guys here,” Brown said.

According to ESPN, other players on the team said that while they would love to have Bell at training camo with them, they understand the business side of things.

“The biggest thing with football, no matter who you are, this thing moves on without you,” offensive lineman David DeCastro said. “It’s kind of an unfortunate truth, but it is the way it is. If he’s not here, we’ve got to go.”

The 25-year-old running back has rushed for over 4,000 yards since he was drafted in 2013 and has been selected to two Pro Bowls.